Homedics QRM-400H Therapist Select Quad-Roller Shiatsu & Rolling Massaging Cushion with Heat

I tried the cheaper model at the local Walgreens and while it was enjoyable I figured a quad-roller system with two kinds of massage would be better - and happily I was right! This is worth the extra bucks because it is a much more relaxing total back and shoulder massage.The unit is ready to go right out of the box - just unscrew the cord on the back (they include a little wrench) plug it in and sit down. I put it on my office chair and because it is a bit bigger than the other models and I had to do some re-adjusting of my chair. Once I did, it fit perfectly and is comfortable to sit on all the time (there is no mechanism in the seat - it is just an attached cushion).There is shiatsu for lower and upper back plus a rolling massage that has an excellent width adjustment. Everything is at your fingertips with the attached controller and you can even add optional heat to any massage you get.I have to slink down a bit to get it to do my shoulders but it really shines on the middle and lower back. My lower back never felt so good.This is a superb alternative to a $2000 massage chair.

Let 1st say I have owned a Panasonic shiatsu massage chair for 18 years.I knew that it was a matter of time before I wore it out.It finally started having problems and it is now (retired).I immediately started looking for a replacement.A new chair can run into the thousand of dollars so I opted to try the QRM-400HThe 400H massage feels more like hands rolling over your back.It has smooth motion and is not a pounding massage.The Panasonic was like feet pounding on you and more of a deep tissue massage.I find it very relaxing especially with the heat turn on.For now I am satisfied with this units performance.If it lasts through the 2 year warranty I will be happier still.Old Update, the rotating massage is now broken.Now I have to deal with the warranty to get it fixed.I wondered how long this unit would last.Now I know. I would not buy another of these.New update, Homedics came thru with replacement.It was fast and no questions asked.I'm re-rating this unit as it works OK and I will use it in my RV.

"Like Sitting in Heaven" is what I first thought about this massage cushion. It runs straight up and down your back in roller mode, and goes side to side, criss-crossing your back in Shiatsu mode, heat is good too. But using just "dry" heat is bad for muscle as it can dry them out and make them even more sore. So use "MOIST" heat, but not with the unit. Use it separately.Unit also does just lower, or upper back, in both modes. You can halt Shiatzu and do just one spot. It can also go up or down with "up" and "down" buttons, and get EACH little spot along the way. Unit lights up when in use, red when you use heat, otherwise blue. Lights stay on if not in use and must be unplugged to shut lights off. Should have been when unit is turned off, not needing to be unplugged.I am 5' 5" and the unit is a little short, even for me. It will not reach the upper back, when sitting on the seat pad....so my solution was to tuck the seat pad up behind the back of the massager and to take a 3-4" pad and block that under the unit. This raises it up and I get the upper back that way. Simple solution.It can be a hard massage, and can be hard on tender muscles, so sit forward a little to take the pressure off some, or use a towel as described in the instructions. And let the unit do all the work. Other than this I find that my back loosens up and has less pain, and it way cheaper than going to a Masseuse!!!By the way, just so you know up front. Nothing in this massager actually "ROLLS". It RUBS!! But then that is what a real Masseuse is doing too. I would not say it is "exactly" like my masseuse, it is limited to just the two actions, but you can vary it. It is very similar though and does a good job, I would say.I give it four stars, for the lights, and being a little short, but other than that my back feels better. I use it 5-10 minutes at a time.

The massage cushion was nice while it lasted. Unfortunately after one month of light usage, the shiatsu massage function ceased to work. I have contacted the seller and will let you know how the replacement/repair process goes. I was really hoping this would be a quality product but has turned out to be a big disappointment.Update: 5/4/2012 Received replacement product and it doesn't work either. The roller massage unit does not move up and down the back cushion. At this point, I can not recommend this product. I have asked the seller for a refund. I'll keep you updated how that goes

I ordered this after coming down with a painful sciatica episode, but the massager and heat work so well I wish I had it on hand years ago. The unit is well made and the heat, in my opinion, is crucial.I have a home business which requires a lot of sitting time, especially at the computer. All this sitting, I think, brought on the sciatica which is now abating, although I can't say categorically that this massager is the primary reason. But I'll be using this long after the sciatica is gone, simply for the relaxing pleasure it gives.Minor quibbles: The unit has a wired remote with a handy pocket for depositing. However, since I move around a lot the remote has a tendency to fall to the floor. A small latch on the pocket would prevent this. Also, the wiring is placed on the right side which makes it somewhat inconvenient for me.In summing up, unless you have someone on call who will massage you for 15 minutes anytime you desire, you need to buy this unit. It rocks--literally.